Your Imperial Highness!
Ever since yesterday afternoon I have been lying down exhausted by great exertions necessitated by the very sudden death of my unfortunate brother. It was impossible for me to send you word yesterday that I could not come; and therefore I beg you not to treat this omission ungraciously. But I feel sure that I shall be able to wait upon Y.I.H. tomorrow.
Your Imperial Highness’s
Most loyal and most obedient servant
Ludwig van Beethoven